The Montreal-based manufacturer said Atlasjet had signed a letter of intent to purchase 10 of the larger CS300 aircraft, and put another five on option. The contract is valued at US$776-million, but could grow to US$1.18-billion if all options are exercised.

“The CS300 aircraft has the best economics in its class; it is well suited for our unique operations in hot temperature environments; and, based on its performance and economics, it will return the highest profitability in strategic markets,” said Murat Ersoy, Atlasjet chairman, in a statement.

If the order is firmed up, it would increase the number of CSeries sold by Bombardier to 153 firm orders and another 154 options.

Management has said they aim to sell 300 CSeries by the time the plane is expected to enter service in late 2013.

“We consider airlines operating in Turkey and the Middle East to be prime candidates for CSeries aircraft,” said Guy Hachey, Bombardier Aerospace president, in a statement. “Airlines in the region face revenue and performance challenges as their current fleets are composed mainly of jet aircraft larger than the CSeries aircraft. The CSeries aircraft gives airlines a right-sized solution optimized for their environment and operation.”

Cameron Doerksen, National Bank Financial analyst, said while the market would undoubtedly like to see more CSeries orders, Bombardier has effectively sold out its delivery slots through 2015.

“We remain comfortable with Bombardier’s CSeries order book and still expect additional orders over the next twelve months,” he said in a note to clients. “Concerns about Bombardier’s ability to deliver the first aircraft on time in late 2013 will intensify, but we believe that the market already expects at least some modest delay.”

He did, however, note that Bombardier’s management continues to stick to its timeline for first delivery.

Atlasjet, which launched in 2001, operates a fleet of 17 Airbus and Boeing aircraft for international and domestic service.